Advisory Council

The Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University is among an elite group of fewer than 5 percent of business schools that are accredited at both the undergraduate and graduate levels by the AACSB International—Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The innovative and responsive curriculum in the college draws upon industry expertise and needs, which means our graduates are prepared to be the critical thinkers, effective problem solvers, and thought leaders that today's businesses are seeking.

For information about getting involved with the college, contact Mike Lewis, advisory council chair, at (312) 590-7298 or mike.lewis2864@gmail.com.

How private gifts support the college

"Our donors give to provide impact on our students' educational experience at Western. They have placed their trust in the future of our University. We are honored to have earned their trust and support." —Mike Lewis, chair of advisory council

Dean's discretionary fund

The gifts to the Dean's Discretionary Fund provide valuable resources for our students, faculty, staff and alumni. The top five areas of impact are:

  • Student support
  • Recruitment activities
  • Retention activities
  • Dean's office support
  • Development activities

Advisory council members

  • James Barnum (Jim), B.B.A.'84, senior vice president, Old National Bank
  • Sandi Lucie Doctor, MBA'83, vice president, Northwood Group
  • Mike Gerfen, B.B.A.'87, executive director, VML
  • Ann M. Harten, vice president, Global Human Resources, Haworth
  • Joseph Hemker (Joe), B.B.A.'76, attorney, Howard & Howard Attys P.C.
  • Dave Hoogendoorn, B.B.A.'88, market segment leader, Michigan and Northwest Ohio, and office managing partner, Grand Rapids, Ernst & Young
  • Mark A. Jackson, B.B.A.'81, global director, Process Systems Organization, General Motors
  • Jim Koessel, B.B.A.'72, senior vice president and director of premier banking, Lake Michigan Credit Union
  • Michael W. Lewis (Mike), B.B.A.'71, executive vice president (retired), BMO Harris Bank
  • Tony McKinney, B.B.A.'92, vice president and assistant treasurer, Stryker
  • Kenneth Miller (Ken), B.B.A.'69, MBA'70, president and CEO, Millennium Restaurant Group LLC
  • Jeff Ross, principal and founder, Jeff K. Ross Financial Services
  • Phil Straniero, executive-in-residence, Western Michigan University
  • Shawn Toldo, B.B.A.'98, director, National Partner Sales, Microsoft

Advisory council emeriti

Active past members of the advisory council, our emeriti continue to promote the college mission and serve as ambassadors for the college.

  • John Boll, B.B.A.'77
  • Robert DeGroot, B.B.A.'88
  • Matthew Mace, B.B.A.'98
  • Stephen Parker, B.B.A.'67, MBA'07
  • The Honorable Julie Phillips, B.B.A.'84
  • Angela Davis Robinson, B.S.'74
  • José Santamaria B.B.A. and B.A.'88, MBA'91
  • Charles Zhang, M.A.'91